Maribel Martinez

The first weeks at home after welcoming a new baby are filled with powerful moments of connection, learning, and growth. They can be an adjustment as families settle into new routines and mothers recover from childbirth. With the right support, this transition becomes an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen bonds, and promote long-term well-being. Postpartum doulas offer steady, personalized support during this important window. These trained professionals provide evidence-informed...

In rural communities like Okeechobee, Florida, reliable transportation isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline. With vast distances between homes, clinics, and hospitals that offer prenatal and delivery care, expectant mothers often face journeys of 30 minutes or more simply to access a prenatal visit or to give birth. In rural Florida, more than 86 % of rural hospitals no longer deliver babies , pushing women to drive 30–50 minutes or farther for basic maternity services.  For pregnant...

Last summer, Okeechobee faced a critical moment for maternal health. With no hospital delivering babies in the county and families already traveling 35–45 miles for delivery care, news that the community’s only prenatal provider could potentially reduce or merge services raised serious concerns. For the Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition, whose mission is to ensure local families have access to the care and support they need, the moment called for action. In response, Healthy Start convened a...